Coin dispensing apparatus



Jan. 30, 1968 c. T. BREITENSTEIN ETAL 3,366,127

COIN DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 16, 1967 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORS CHARLES TBRE/TE/VSTE/N BY 04m. VWEBER A TTOR/VE) c. T. BREQITENSTEIN ETAL 3,366,127

Jan. 30, 1968 COIN DISPENSING APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 16, 1967 IN VEN TORS CHARL 55 T BRE/TENSTE/N CA/PLVWEBER ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,366,127 COIN DISPENSING APPARATUS Charles T. Breitenstein, Elk Grove Village, and Carl V. Weber, Chicago, Ill., assignors to Canteen Corporation, Chicago, Ill, a corporation of Delaware Filed Feb. 16, 1967, Ser. No. 616,588 Claims. (Cl. 1334) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The apparatus dispenses coins from vertical coin tubes on each cyclic movement of three independently operable motor-driven, coin bearing slides. Each slide is individually reciprocable horizontally between the common base plane of a number of coin tubes aligned in rectilinear rows and a lower stationary dispensing plate. Each coin tube row has four tubes aligned transversely with the tubes of other rows. Each slide has at least one row of three through openings, each slide row being aligned below a row of coin tubes. The dispensing plate has a like number of rows of bores with two bores per row, the bottom plate bores being displaced or offset from the coin tube base openings. Each slide is driven by a crank linkage which is eccentrically connected to its motor driven rotary cam, each movement of a slide resulting from a cycle of operation of its individual motor through a 90 rotation of its rotary cam. Each cycle of a coin slide leads to the dispensing of at least one coin from the operated slide through the bores in the bottom plate, the number of coins dispensed from a coin slide on one cycle being dependent on the number of rows of openings in that coin slide. On every other cycle of each slide, at least two coins pass from the coin tubes to each moved coin slide, one coin for dispensing on the next operative cycle, the other coin for dispensing on a subsequent cycle.

Summary of invention In coin changing or bill changing machines, or in automatic vending machines which pay out change, there is a need for mechanisms which eject or emit coins efficiently, accurately and in a number of possible combinations. Most particularly, the possibility of different coin payout combinations is most important to combination coin and bill changers which must provide change for different inputs such as quarters, half-dollars, and dollar bills. The amount to be paid out is determined by a signal generated by the input, and the actuation of a cycle necessary to effect the necessary payout is triggered by that signal. Thus, for a quarter input, a payout of two dimes and a nickel will be effected, while a half-dol1ar input will cause the payout of a quarter, two dimes and a nickel, while a dollar input may trigger a payout of three quarters, two dimes and a nickel. Other payouts may be provided by combining or varying the operative slides in response to an input.

In bill changers or combination coin and bill changers, another important consideration is the capacity of the machine to store coins for payout, a capacity which should be maintained at a large optimum value.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new, improved, high-capacity change payout mechanism.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a change payout mechanism which may eject a diiierent combination of coins on each operative cycle of the mechanism, while each cycle of operation simultaneously pays out the change necessary to complete the payout.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide a change payout mechanism with simultaneously actuatable, independently operable payout slides to provide a plurality of different coin payouts on successive cycles, as desired.

To effect these and other objects, the invention comprises a mechanism which includes a plurality of rows of coin tubes, with coin slides registrable with the tubes of one or more rows, each coin slide being independently operable by separate motor drives, As a coin slide is moved, it receives coins from one or more coin tubes during certain cycles and ejects one or more coins on each operative cycle of a slide. Each of these change payout cycles represents one-fourth of a full back and forth sequence of one or more coin slides. Within the sequence, each cycle of operation of a one or more coin slides simultaneously represents a complete change payout.

Each coin slide has sized openings which are moved into registry with its rows of coin tubes on alternate cycles to receive coins for subsequent dispensing. Coins are dispensed on each consecutive cycle so that at least one coin is dispensed on each movement cycle of a slide. This result is effected by the positioning of the coin slide openings with respect to the coin tubes and with respect to dispensing bores in a stationary dispensing plate positioned below the coin slide. In this way, coins may be stored in the slide for dispensing during a number of subsequent cycles. By the construction set out, each cycle of operation of one or more coin slides completes a dispensing payout by combining the simultaneous operation of the necessary number of coin slides, each operated slide dispensing one or more coins simultaneously. If it is desirable that more than one cycle be utilized per payout, this arrangement could also be readily accommodated, although no provision for the latter arrangement is shown.

Description The objects noted and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be readily understood from the accompanying drawings viewed in conjunction with the following description of which:

FIGURE 1 is a side view in perspective of the apparatus of the invention;

FIGURE 2 is an exploded view in perspective of the coin ejecting assembly (with the coin tubes and coin tube supports removed);

FIGURE 3 is a plan view in elevation of the ejecting assembly of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a side view in section taken along line 4-4 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURES 5 to 8 are plan views in elevation of an ejection assembly in positions reached on successive cycles; and

FIGURE 9 is a simplified schematic drawing of a circuit for operation of the invention.

In FIGURE 1 there is shown the coin dispensing mechanism 10, as it would fit within a change making machine such as a bill changer or preferably a combination coin and bill changer. The mechanism 10 has a base structure 12 and a coin tube-bearing superstructure 14-. The superstructre 14 is comprised of a three sided rectangular beam 16 mounted to base 12 at the beam lower edges. The beam 16 has a tube holding top surface plate 18 having a plurality of aligned coin tube apertures each sized to receive a separate coin tube of the plurality of coin tubes 20. The coin tubes are open-ended cylinders which may be transparent and each of which is sized to receive a stack of coins of a single denomination. The coin tubes 20 are aligned coordinately in longitudinally spaced rows of quarter sized coin tubes 22, dime sized coin tubes 24 and nickel sized coin tubes 26. The tubes 20' rest above individual, properly sized openings 28 in a stationary base plate 30 or coin tube supported plate. Base plate 30 holds the bottom end of the coin tubes while the tubes are held slightly below their upper end in the apertures of surface plate 18. Base plate 30 overlies and is spaced above a lower horizontal stationary dispensing plate 32 which, as

shown, is aflixed to side support member 34. Side support members 34 enclose a rectangular volume beneath the stationary dispensing plate 32, and act to support the mechanism 10 structurally.

Within the volume enclosed by the support members 34, there is mounted a forwardly and downwardly angled dispensing tray 36-. Adjacent its rear edge, the tray is spaced a short distance below the dispensing plate 32 and may be suitably afiixed to the dispensing plate 32 at its rear edge. The dispensing tray angles downwardly from the rear mounting and terminates adjacent its front edge in an upwardly concave section 38 to receive and hold coins dispensed from the coin tubes. Concave section 38 is open at the front to allow access to the tray from the front.

In the space between the stationary base plate 30 and the stationary dispensing plate 32, there is mounted a series of ejector slides 4t). These slides are mounted intermediately between the plates 30 and 32 and are parallel thereto. These slides are confined to front-to-rear reciprocatory movement between the stationary plates by a series of downwardly disposed longitudinally extending ribs 42. These ribs may be formed integrally with the base plate 30 or may be mounted thereto by suitable means, and are spaced to enclose the sides of slides in a manner allowing movement of the slides.

In FIGURE 2 there is shown the base structure 12 including the stationary plates, the ejector slides and the support members in greater detail.

The showing of FiGURE 2 is rotated 180 from the showing of FIGURE 1, so that the rear area of the mechanism can readily be seen. Directions as defined herein will refer to the showing of FIGURES 1, 3 and 5 through 8 with the access opening of tray 36 at the front.

Turning to the structure shown in FIGURE 2 in greater detail, there can be seen stationary coin tube support plate 3 This plate, as mentioned previously, accommodates above each of its openings, properly sized coin tubes, the tubes being aligned in coordinate longitudinal rows and transverse ranks. Each longitudinal row has four tubes (and openings) while each transverse rank has six tubes. The alignment includes in the support plate 30, a first row of openings 52.1 sized to receive the quarter tubes 22. Parallel to row 52.1 is a second row of like-sized openings numbered 52.2, and a third row of like-sized openings numbered 52.3. The openings of rows 52.1 and 52.2 are spaced with a small distance between, while the row has its opening 52.3 spaced a greater distance from the intermediate row of openings 52.2. Next to and spaced from the row of openings 52.3 there are a pair of parallel rows of openings 54; these openings are sized to receive the dime tubes 24. Lastly, there is a final parallel row of openings 56 spaced closely to the adjacent row of openings 54.

In a transverse sense, openings 52.1, 52.2, 52.3, 54 and 56 are aligned rectilinearly in four parallel ranks below and in communication with the coin tubes mounted thereon. These transverse tube ranks may be considered as comprising the W rank, the X rank, the Y rank and the Z rank in a front-to-rear direction. In discussing the spacing between adjacent ranks, reference will be made to the quarter size tubes, their spacing being determinative of the spacing of the remaining coin tube ranks. In the W" and X ranks, the tubes are spaced less than one tube diameter apart, while in the X and Y ranks, the tubes are more closely spaced. The Y and Z ranks are spaced approximately two coin tube diameters apart.

Directly beneath the coin tube support plate 39 are fitted the respective ejector slides 40. There are three slides shown, identified as A, B, and C, each extending in a front-to-rear direction fully beneath the openings of one or more rows of coin tubes. Each slide has three lines of openings lettered respectively P, Q and R, from front to rear. The A slide has two side-by-side rows 62 of quarter sized openings with a pair of openings in each of the lines P, Q and R. The B plate has a single front-to-rear row 60 of quarter sized openings, one opening in each of the lines P, Q and R. The C slide has side-by-side, two rows of dime sized openings and a row of nickel sized openings with two dime and one nickel opening for each of the lines P, Q and R, the three rows of openings for the C slide being lettered collectively under reference numeral 64 in FIGURE 2. The ejector slides 4t) are of suflicient thickness that one coin and only one coin may rest flatly therein and be transported between the stationary plates during movement of a coin slide.

The dispensing plate 32 has aligned with the rows of slide openings 60, 62 and 64 a like number of similarly aligned rows of bores, there being two spaced apart bores 7i and '72 in each row within plate 32. These bores are spaced apart such that bores 70 are offset intermediately between the W rank and the X rank of openings in stationary tube support plate 30. Bores 72 are offset to a position approximately midway between the ranks Y and Z of openings in the stationary tube support plate. Bores 7t and '72 are all in communication with the dispensing tray 36 such that coins passing through the dispensing plate will fall into the tray and be carried into the tray concave section 38.

Continuing with the description of the elements as shown in FIGURES 2, 3 and 4, there can be seen the rib 42 extending downwardly from the stationary tube support plate 30. These ribs are longitudinal in extent and extend the length of the stationary plate. These ribs act to constrain the slide plates 40 to reciprocatory movement in a back and forth sense.

To drive these coin slides there are provided, individually operable slide control motors 80, 82 and 8 These motors are mounted for support beneath a stationary frame 86, the frame 86 being positioned adjacent the rear most edge of dispensing tray 36. For use as the slide control motors, a motor which has been found to work successfully is one which rotates its output shaft 85 at approximately 15 r.p.m. Each of the motors 30, 82 and 84 has its output shaft extending upwardly through the stationary frame 86 above which each has connected concentrically thereon, a rotary cam. These cams are numbered 90, 92 and 94 respectively. These cams each have a generally circular periphery 1% with notches 102 spaced apart about the cam periphery.

Mounted on the stationary frame 86, adjacent periphery of these cams are individual miniature snap switches 110, 112 and 114. Each of these switches has an operating arm 116 bearing a roller 118 at the outer-most edge of the arm. Each roller co-acts with the periphery 100 and notches 102 of the adjacent cam to control the duration of operation of the motors 80, 82 and 84. Each of the cams has connected eccentrially to its body an axially directed pin 120 which couples the cam to a crank arm 122. Each crank arm 122 is generally L-shaped, extends beneath plate 32 and terminates in an elbow joined to a connecting rod 124 which extends further beneath the stationary dispensing plate 32. Each connecting rod has ailixed to its remote end an L-shaped bracket 126. Each bracket is pinned by a vertically extending pin 128 affixed to the underside of its respective coin slide. To receive and allow movement of these pins 128, the dispensing plate 32 is configured with longitudinal slots 13%, to allow pins 128 to ride within respective slots 130. Each slide is moved by the respective connecting rod and crank arm linkage in response to rotation of the respective motor driven cams.

Turning now to FIGURES 5 through 8, there can be seen steps in the successive cycle positions to effect a sequence of operative cycles for the intermediate coin slide B. As mentioned previously, each coin slide is independently operable under the control of its drive motor. Thus, the operation in a physical sense of the cam slide B, which is the simplest of the cam slides, will show the mode of operation of the mechanism and can readily be extrapolated to explain the operation of the entire mechanism.

In FIGURE 5, there can be seen station motor mount frame 86 through which the motor shaft 88 extends for connection to the cam 92. The cam 92, as mentioned, has a circular periphery 100 with notches 102 spaced 90 apart angular-1y. Co-acting with the cam periphery is the miniature snap switch 112 with its operating arm 116 and its roller 118. The operating arm 116 of such a switch as is generally known, is inherently resilient to keep the roller 118 biased into contact with the periphery 100 and successive cam notches 102. As mentioned previously, the cam has a pin 120 connected eccentrically to it, the pin 120 being connected to it the crank arm 122 which is connected by the previously described linkage to the cam slide B. With the combination of the linkage described and the depending ribs 42, the cam slide is restrained to reciprocatory, front-to-rear movement.

In FIGURE 5, there can be seen the coin tubes (four in number), aligned longitudinally in a row. These coin tubes rest on coin tube support plate above suitably sized openings 28 which may be considered as extensions of the respective coin tubes. In FIGURE 5, the support plate 30 is partially broken away to show the coin slide which has three spaced openings 60.

In the position of FIGURE 5 (the rear-most position), these openings 60 are positioned as follows: the rearmost or R rank opening is directly below the opening 28 of the Z rank coin tubes. The Q rank or intermediate slide opening rests beneath the tube support plate 30 intermediate the coin tubes. The forward-most opening 60 P is positioned beneath the coin tube X. Further, in this position, the intermediate opening of the opening 60 Q of the coin slide is positioned above bore 72 Within dispensing plate 32. Thus, any coin which had been transported within the slide opening of the Q rank would pass gravitationally through bore 72 to the dispensing tray 36 for removal by the machine user.

With the slide in the position of FIGURE 5, energization of motor 82 will cause cam 92 to be rotated until slide 40 advances forwardly. The advance continues until roller 118 co-acts with the next successive notch 102 in the cam 92 to stop the movement of the coin slide in the position indicated by FIGURE 6.

In the position of FIGURE 6, the rear-most coin slide opening 60 R is only slightly in registry with the rearmost coin tube opening 28 of the Z rank. This slight registry blocks further coins from passing to the coin slide and no further action will occur with respect to this opening. The intermediate opening 60 of the slide Q" rank is also inactive as it is only partially in registry with the coin tube rank Y. The forward-most opening slide 60 (P rank) is now in registry with the forward-most bore 70 in the dispensing plate so that a coin having previously been deposited in opening 60 of the P rank is now dispensed through bore 70. The mechanism remains in this position until the next dispensing operative cycle is to take place, at which time the motor is again energized and the cam switch intermediate action moves the coin slide 40 rearwardly to the position of FIGURE 7.

In the position of FIGURE 7, the rear-most coin slide opening 60 of the R rank is in registry with the rear-most bore 72 of the dispensing plate and a coin having previously been deposited in opening 60 of the R rank will not be dispensed. In the position of FIGURE 7, the intermediate coin slide opening 60 of the Q rank is in registry with intermediate coin tube opening 28 of the Y coin tube rank and will receive a coin therefrom. The forward opening 60 of the slide P rank is now in registry with the forward-most opening 28 of the coin tube W rank to receive a coin therefrom. During this latter cycle, a coin will have been dispensed from coin slide opening 60- R through dispensing bore 72.

The next dispensing cycle will cause operation of motor 82 and rotation of cam 92 until the cam is stopped by the interaction of the cam notch and the snap switch in the position of FIGURE 8. In this position, the coin slide will have been moved in a backward direction. The rearmost coin slide 60 of the R rank is positioned between the various openings and is inactive during this position. The coin slide opening 60 of the Q rank is also intermediately positioned and is inactive in this position. The forward-most opening 60 P is now in registry with the forward bore 72 of dispensing plate 32 and will emit the coin previously deposited in this opening 60 P. Thus, at the conclusion of each cycle of operation, a coin previously deposited in the coin slide is emitted and dropped gravitationally into the dispensing tray 36. During each alternate cycle, coins from two tubes will be deposited into the coin slide openings. One for emission at the conclusion of the next cycle and the other coin for storage and emission at the conclusion of the third cycle following its deposition in the coin slide.

Turning now to the schematic diagram of FIGURE 9, there is shown a simple schematic drawing for providing $1.00 worth of change, 50 worth of change or 25 worth of change. In this drawing, there are shown the two leads L1 and L2 which may be connected to any conventional source of current; preferably 60 cycle AC. Connected across the line represented by these leads is a $1.00 payout control element or relay 150. This relay controls three sets of normally open contacts 152, 154 and 156, each individually in series with one of the drive motors 84, 82 and respectively. A 50 payout control element or relay is connected parallel to relay 150, and controls normally open contact 162 and 164 in series respectively with motors 82 and 80. A 25 payout control element or relay controls its contacts 172 which are disposed in series with drive motor 82. In series with the relays 150, 160 and 179, are respective series switches 180, 182 and 184. These switches are normally open, and are momentarily closed by a credit control network (not ,shown) which emits an output signal indicating the amount of change to be paid out. The output signal momentarily closes switch when $1.00 is to be paid out, closes switch 182 when 50 is to be paid out, and closes switch 184 when 25 is to be paid out.

In addition, each of the drive motors 80, 32 and 84 has in series with its respective switch contacts 110, 112 and 114 which are operated by cam periphery 100; these contacts open when notch 102 receives the respective switch actuating arm.

In the operation of the circuit of FIGURE 9, a signal (indicating that 25 in change is to be given out) will be received when the coin changer mechanism indicates that one quarter has been accepted and stored. This signal through suitable control means causes switch 184 to close momentarily. Closure of switch 184 completes the circuit to relay 170, closing its contacts 172. Closure of these contacts completes obvious circuit through these contacts to drive motor 80. Motor 80 is energized over this circuit and operates to start rotation of its cam 90. As this cam begins to rotate it closes its switch contacts 110. These switch contacts close to maintain motor 80 in operation for the duration of its operative cycle. Relay 17 0 is operated only momentarily and soon restores releasing relay 170 and its contacts 172. Motor 80 remains energized through closed switch contact 110 and continues to rotate its cam 90. Cam 90 acting through the drive linkage moves the coin slide C toward the next position. Just which of the four cyclic positions the coin slide C is in depends solely on where the last cycle has left the coin slide. The motor 80 rotates its cam 90 until its switch operating arm 116 reaches a notch 102 and opens the switch contacts 110. As the contacts 110 open, motor 80 is de-energized after 90 of rotation of cam 90. This rotation will have moved coin slide C to dispense two dimes and a nickel through suitable bores 70 and 72.

If 50 in change is to be given, a signal to that effect causes switch 182 to close momentarily. Closure of this switch completes the circuit to control element 160, closing its contacts 162 and 164. Closure of these contacts completes operating paths to motors 80 and 82. Both motors begin rotation of their earns 90 and 92 closing switch contacts 110 and 112. The cams rotate maintaining contacts 119 and 112 closed as switch 182 restores releasing relay 160 and its contacts 162 and 164. Cam rotation continues through 90 of revolution until the subsequent opening of switch contacts 110 and 112 complete the operative cycle. At the completion of this operative cycle a quarter passes from the coin slide B through bores 70 or 72 in the dispensing plate and two dimes and one nickel pass from the C coin slide through the suitable dispensing plate openings to the dispensing tray. The mechanism remains in this condition until the next cycle is initiated.

If the present mechanism were used in a bill changer, a payout signal would be generated when a dollar bill had been inserted, validated and collected. The payout signal, through suitable means causes switch 180 to close momentarily. Closure of this switch energizes relay 150. On energization, relay 150 closes its contacts 152, 154 and 15d. Closure of these contacts completes a path to motors 80, 82 and 84 to start operation of these motors. Operation of thesemotors begins rotation of the control earns 99, Z and 94. This start of rotation closes switch contacts Ht), 112 and 114 to complete a path to the motors which will hold after switch 180 has restored, releasing relay 159 and its contacts 152, 154 and 156. Motors 80, 82 and d4 continue their rotation. As the motor rotation continues and that of earns 90, 92 and 94, the coin slides are moved toward their next cyclic position. As the cam rotation approaches 90 switch contacts 110, 112 and 114 open to terminate the motor operation. The coin slides will each have an opening in registry with one or more dispensing openings to release a coin from each coin slide row equaling three quarters, two dimes and a nickel.

While there has been shown what is at present thought to be a preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that modifications may be made therein and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as wall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A coin dispensing mechanism in which there are a plurality of upright coin tubes, a coin slide and a Stationary dispensing plate, with the coin slide being movable into communication with said coin tubes to accept coins therefrom and to transport said coins for subsequent dispensing through said dispensing plate; the invention comprising:

(a) means mounting said plurality of coin tubes in one or more groups,

(b) said coin slide configured with a plurality of through openings for each group wherein the number of openings for each coin slide group is less than the number of coin tubes in the respective coin tube group,

() means for moving said coin slide in a sequence comprised of a plurality of dispensing cycles, every other cycle of which places more than one opening in each slide group in communicating position with different coin tubes to receive coins to be transported,

(d) at least one bore in said dispensing plate for each group of coin tubes, and

(e) means mounting said dispensing plate to offset said bores from the bases of all the coin tubes,

(f) said slide openings being registrable with the plate bores such that the plate bores for each of said groups are receptive of a transported coin from said slide on each cycle of operation of said slide for dispensing coins received.

2. A mechanism as claimed in claim 1,

(a) in which there are two bores in said dispensing plate for each coin tube group, and

(b) in which the plate bores for each group each receive a coin on alternate cycles of operation of the coin slide to dispense a coin for each group consequent to each coin slide cycle.

3. A mechanism as claimed in claim 1,

(a) in which said coin tube groups comprise longitudinal parallel rows of tubes,

(b) in which the tubes in said rows are aligned in a plurality of transverse ranks,

(c) in which there are a plurality of coplanar coin slides with a plurality of openings in each of said coin slides,

(1) said coin slide openings aligned in rows for communication with respective coin tube rows,

(2) all said slides independently movable longitudinally in cycles of like extent, and I (3) in which certain of said coin slides have more than one row of transversely disposed coin openings with each coin slide opening of a now registrable with diiierent tubes for receiving coins therefrom, and

(d) at least one bore in said stationary plate for each row of openings for dispensing coins on alternate cycles of said coin slides.

4. A mechanism as claimed in claim 1,

(a) in which there are n coin tubes in each group,

(b) rt-1 openings in each coin slide group, and

(c) "rt-2 bores in said stationary plate for each of each coin slide group for dispensing a coin from each of the n tubes in a group during n cycles of operation of said coin slide.

5. A coin dispensing mechanism of the type which has a plurality of longitudinal rows of open-based coin tubes, longitudinally reciprocable coin slides with longitudinal rows of openings in said slides registrable with the bases of said coin tubes for receiving coins therefrom, and dispensing means for receiving coins from said slides for dispensing, in which each slide is of sufiicient thickness to accept and transport one coin at a time in each opening, the invention comprising:

(21) independently operable drive means for each of coin slides,

(b) individual cams driven by each drive means,

(c) linkage means coupling each slide eccentrically to one of said cams,

(d) means constraining said slides to reciprocatory cyclic movement,

(e) means for cycling one or more of said cams in cycles of predetermined angular extent to thereby move coin slides a portion of a complete reciprocation for each cycle,

.(f) whereby the openings in each cycled coin slide are moved into registry with different coin tubes to receive coins therefrom during a multi-cycle sequence, and cycled slides are moved into registry with said dispensing means for dispensing a coin from each slide row on each slide cycle.

6. A coin dispensing mechanism as claimed in claim 5,

in which said dispensing means comprises:

(a) a stationary dispensing plate underlying all said coin slides,

(1) bores in said dispensing plate arrayed in rows co-planarly with the coin tube rows and coin slide rows,

(2) the bores in said dispensing plate offset longitudinally from the coin tubes and positioned intermediately therebetween, and

(3) in which said plate bores are spaced apart so that a bore in each row receives and passes a coin on every movement cycle of a slide.

7. A coin dispensing mechanism as claimed in claim 6, in which there are:

(a) n coin tubes in each row,

(b) n1 openings in each coin slide row, and

(c) n2 bores in said stationary dispensing plate for each coin slide row,

(1) one of the bores in each row Within said dispensing plate positioned proximately between the adjacent coin tubes to receive and pass a coin from the bore of its row in the coin slide on every other movement cycle of a coin slide, and

(2) another one of the bores in each dispensing plate row receiving and passing a coin on the intermediate cycles of a coin slide.

8. A coin dispensing mechanism for dispensing one or more coins simultaneously from a plurality of open based coin tubes, in which there are one or more coin slides reciprocable beneath said coin tubes for receiving and transporting coins for dispensing; the invention comprising:

(a) said plurality of coin tubes arrayed in aligned rows with their bases aligned in a common plane, and each of said coin tubes in a row sized to hold coins of like denomination,

(b) independent drive means for moving one or more of said slides through a dispensing cycle,

() control means driven by each moved drive means to move its slide beneath and parallel to the plane of the coin tube bases,

((1) said control means for a slide on movement thereof moving its slide to the next successive position of a multi-position, back-and-forth sequence,

(e) a row of openings in said coin slides beneath each of said coin tube rows,

(f) one row of aligned openings of a first denomination size in a first of said coin slides,

(g) two rows of openings of said first denomination size in a second slide,

(h) a plurality of rows of openings in a third slide, the combinational value of a coin from each row of said third slide reaching the value of said first denomination,

(i) control means responsive to a signal for operatively moving simultaneously said first, second and third slides through a dispensing cycle; said second and third slides through a cycle or said third slide through a cycle alone whereby to move the individual slides from the position a coin slide is in to the next position,

(3') a dispensing plate beneath said coin slides, and openings in said plate positioned beneath each row of a moved coin slide in each position of movement of a coin slide to dispense a coin from each row of cycled slide openings after each cycle.

9. A mechanism as claimed in claim 8, in which said control means hold all slides in the last dispensing position to which the slide has been moved.

10. A coin dispensing mechanism in which there are a plurality of upright coin tubes, each having an open base disposed in a common plane, and a plurality of coin slides disposed side-by-side in a plane beneath the coin tube base plane, wherein the coin slides have openings registrable with the base of coin tubes to accept coins therefrom and to transport said coins therein during movement for subsequent dispensing; the invention comprising:

(a) said plurality of coin tubes spaced in a plurality of longitudinal rows of various denominations,

(b) each of said coin slide openings in a row sized to receive coins from the coin tubes registrable therewith,

(c) an individual drive motor for each coin slide,

(d) individual mechanisms driven by each motor linking that motor to a coin slide to reciprocate the slide in its plane on actuation of its motor,

(e) means for controlling the reciprocation of a slide to a single dispensing cycle which comprises a portion of a complete reciprocatory sequence,

(f) said slide openings spaced relative to the coin tube bases such that every other cycle of movement of a slide positions openings in each row of that slide beneath different coin tubes to receive coins therefrom,

(g) and a stationary plate extending in a bottom plane beneath said coin. slides,

(h) a plurality of rows of aligned bores in said stationary plate for passing coins for dispensing,

(i) means mounting said stationary plate to offset the plate bores from the coin tubes in the direction of movement of the coin slides,

(1) said bores being grouped in a first and a second set,

(2) said first set of bores in said stationary plate positioned to transmit coins from a moved slide plate on alternate cycles of movement of the coin slide,

(3) said second set of stationary plate bores transmissive of coins from each row of a slide on each intermediate alternate cycle of movement of the slide, and

(j) in which said control means holds each slide in the position last reached by that slide awaiting the next cycle of one or more of the slides.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,836,774 12/1931 Samuelsen et al. 133-4 2,639,824 5/1953 Shannon et a1. 221-116 2,686,525 8/1954 Jaskowiak 133-2 3,125,103 3/1964 Davidson et al. 1335 3,167,078 1/1965 Trautenberg 1334 SAMUEL F. COLEMAN, Primary Examiner. 

